Mukesh Gupta refuses support to inquiry

The ICC Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) today confirmed that Indian bookmaker Mukesh Gupta is unlikely to give further support to the international inquiries set up following his allegations about a number of non Indian cricketers.

Gupta has been seen twice in India by the ACU and he verbally confirmed his allegations to investigators from the unit. However, Lord Condon has always believed that natural justice demands that Gupta's allegations should be capable of challenge and cross examination by lawyers acting for the accused cricketers. Gupta was given the option of his allegations being tested in India, or a country of his choice.

To bring clarity to the situation Gupta was given to 1st July to make up his mind. He has not responded and it is assumed that he will not allow his allegations to be tested. The situation was discussed with Gupta's solicitors by telephone this morning and also with Mr Sawani, the Joint Director of the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation, who met Lord Condon in London on Friday (29th June).

The ACU, having interviewed Alec Stewart, will submit a report to the England and Wales Cricket Board within the next two weeks. The inquiries in Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies are being advised of the latest information about Gupta.

Lord Condon said: "The CBI report and Gupta's allegations are only one strand of the work of the ACU. We have advised the Inquiry teams around the world of the position Gupta has taken. They will no doubt take this into account when they submit reports to their cricket boards in due course."